There are only a few things in life that can instantly put us in a good mood as quickly as swiping on pink lipstick. An ice-cold margarita and surprise dinner date come close, but the right shade of pink does the job faster. It’s a simple rush: When we’re running out the door with our shoes barely tied and hair barely combed, painting on the right pink makes us feel more together. The color spectrum is also broad enough to compliment any complexion, season, or scenario life tosses at you.
There’s a muted, everyday pink to wear to work, job interviews, and while running errands. Punchier shades with pops of coral or blue undertones are ideal for daytime dress-up. And, when you want to make a statement, or enhance a simpler face, vibrant magenta and fuchsia come in clutch.
While there’s a variety of pink lipsticks on the market, it doesn’t make adding the best ones to your collection any easier. To help you sift through the puzzle that is the lipstick aisle, we asked the pros for the rose-colored formulas they always keep in their collection. Find them ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color
There are multiple reasons why — despite trying hundreds of lipsticks each year — nearly every editor on the Refinery29 beauty team swears by this one. That is, it’s extremely pigmented, wears comfortably on the lips, and lasts for hours. The shade Inspirer is a muted mauve pink that works for an occasion, from work to a black tie event.
Maybelline Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color in Inspirer, $9.49, available at Target
MAC Lipstick Matte in Candy Yum Yum
When it comes to classic lipsticks that should be part of every makeup collection, MAC Candy Yum Yum is high up on the list, according to NYC-based makeup artist Akasha Haze. "It’s a beautiful, blue-based matte pink that complements every complexion."
MAC Lipstick Matte in Candy Yum Yum, $18.5, available at Ulta Beauty
NYX Cosmetics Extra Creamy Round Lipstick In Hot Pink
One quick swipe of this cult-favorite Nyx bullet gives a buttery, hot-pink color payoff that looks expensive, but will only set you back four bucks.
NYX Professional Makeup Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Hot Pink, $4, available at Nyx Cosmetics
Glossier Generation G Lipstick In Crush
Maybe bright, nearly-neon pink isn’t your thing. That’s totally fine. Maya Rene, NYC-based makeup artist and entrepreneur, swears by this Glossier tube for a "just-bitten" finish. "It’s a beautiful shade that you can sheer out or build up, depending on your style," she says. "The best part? You can apply it without having to look in the mirror and it would still look great."
Glossier Generation G, $18, available at Glossier
Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lipstick In Peach & Quiet
A step up from nude pink, this Bobbi Brown liquid lipstick is the perfect mix of peach and blush. Rene says you can sweep it on for a full-coverage finish, or blot it out with your fingers to give your lips a sexy, subtle finish.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in Peach & Quiet, $27, available at Bloomingdale’s
Huda Beauty Powermatte Lipstick in Honeymoon
Refinery29 beauty writer Thatiana Diaz considers this the perfect pink if you want something softer than bright pink. "It’s a cool, rosy shade that isn’t too bright," she says. "The formula that has potent color payoff that doesn’t require more than one swipe."
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick, $25, available at Sephora
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Kimchi
A lot of us love matte lipstick, but some days, our dry skin loathes it. If you still need a pop of color, try this Bite shade. It goes on buttery and has an opaque pigment. It won’t stay on through pizza and drinks, but it leaves behind a sexy stain that looks like you’ve been making out for hours.
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Kimchi, $26, available at Bite Beauty
MAC Amplified Lipstick in Saint Germain
"This has been a longtime staple in my kit," Yolonda Frederick, Ciara’s key makeup artist, tells us. "It delivers a clean, vibrant, creamy carnation-pink color that makes a bold statement."
MAC Amplified Lipstick in Saint Germain, $18.5, available at Macy’s
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick In Playmate
When you need your lipstick to follow you to dinner, the club, and an Uber selfie session, put on this shade by The Lip Bar. It won’t move off of your lips, instead it’ll move with them, and stay on all day without making your pout feel thirsty.
The Lip Bar Playmate Liquid Lipstick, $13, available at The Lip Bar
Pat McGrath Labs LuxeTrance Lipstick in Realness
For his clients with medium-to-deep complexions, celebrity makeup artist Renny Vasquez swears by this Pat McGrath tube. "It has a super creamy texture and it isn’t too punchy," he says. "It’s a flattering mauve pink for medium to deep complexions."
Pat McGrath LuxeTrance Lipstick in Realness, $40, available at Sephora
Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Liv It Up
When you want a hydrating feel with a velvet-matte finish, makeup artist Ashley Victoria says to wear this Charlotte Tilbury color. "This is a great shade that works on a wide variety of skin tones," she says. "It doesn’t have a drying matte texture and will make your lips feel soft and plump."
Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick, $34, available at Charlotte Tilbury
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Source: Refinery29 – aimee simeon